Liselle,
We enjoyed our trip and made it home this afternoon. Overall, things worked out very well. I’m sending some specific comments below.
Peermont Metcourt: Clean and convenient to both airport and restaurants (in casino within walking distance). A very basic hotel, but priced accordingly. I did note that the shuttle buses have changed color since your instructions were created.
Simbavati: Beautiful location, great game viewing, nicely appointed, with good service. Diff is an excellent guide and Johnson an excellent chef. On the days we didn’t have them, the other guide and chef were not as good, but probably would have seemed better if we hadn’t had the others to compare to. We saw the big 5 within the first day and had many animals in the camp during the day (baboons, crocodiles, hippos, waterbuck, impala, Kudu, warthogs, and herds of elephants). A couple of things to note. First, there are no game walks as the lodge is still waiting for their gun license. Second, the lodge caters to families. I would highly recommend it for families travelling with children, but while it worked out fine with my aunt and uncle, when I go back with my husband I will look for another lodge that does not have so many small children. It is definitely something I would mention to people so they can consider it either way. Third, I would recommend staying in a cabin other than 1 if possible. It is the closest to the common areas, which is convenient, but you have no privacy on your deck or river view bedroom because it is overlooked by the common deck and the noise from the camp can keep you awake during the middle of the day when you try to nap. Cabin 3 is definitely the nicest as both bedrooms have water views. The tents seemed very nice, but were not air conditioned, which could be uncomfortable later in the season.
De Waterkant: Great location, free laundry facilities in the apartment were incredibly convenient, new property with very helpful leasing office staff. We loved the location – restaurants are within walking distance and all tourist attractions are reasonably close. However the apartment was very modern with no doors on the bedrooms or bathrooms, which created a privacy issue. We worked around it by sharing the one bathroom with a door and using the public mall facilities as well as using earplugs at night, but it was an issue. The apartment also gets quite a lot of noise from the Piazza downstairs when music is playing. This may not be an issue most evenings as it was opening weekend while we were there, but it sounds like they plan regular entertainment on the weekends, so it may come up periodically. I also think the instructions we received were to the wrong leasing office (De Waterkant Village), but they were able to call your office and provide us with a map of how to get to African Elite.
In the Winelands we stayed at Ashbourne House and in Hermanus we stayed at Harbour Vue. Both worked out quite well. I’m not sure if you use them, but I’m happy to provide information on those as well if you are interested.
I think I’ll probably try to come back at some point so that my husband can go on safari and we can go to some of the sights I missed this time, like Victoria Falls. I have no idea when that trip will be, but will definitely get in touch with you when and if that occurs.
Thanks for your help,
Kristi
Guests Visited: Peermont Metcourt, Simbavati River Lodge & De Waterkant
